Abstract
Abstract Anthropometric selection standards of aviators in the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) were assimilated from the selection standards utilized by western defence forces and aircraft manufacturers. Gradual Omanization of RAFO aircrew has led to the placement of eastern bodies in western cockpits and hence high recruit rejection rates due to incompatible anthropometric standards. This study was carried out to gain some evidence-based data on this domain. The anthropometric data of 2,296 Omani recruits from 2003 to 2012 were collected and statistical analysis was performed to analyze the distribution of anthropometrically fit and unfit candidates. 86% (n = 1,968) fulfilled the RAFO anthropometric fitness standards for aircrew duties and the remaining 14% (n = 328) were unfit due to non-compliance in one or many of the anthropometric parameters. 7% (n = 158) of the candidates had standing height below 165 cm and 3/4th (n = 112) of these candidates were unfit in one or many of the other RAFO anthropometric parameters. This study has provided a platform to understand the discrepancies involved in selection of eastern bodies for western cockpits. This also adds impetus to the concept of periodical updating of military recruitment standards to aid the development of the ideal man-machine interface. This approach will take into account national policy, the significant trends in body sizes of the general population and the procured aircraft profile of the country.
Highlights
It is a well-known fact that optimization of aircrew-aircraft compatibility is of prime importance in military aviation in order to precisely execute the tasks as well as to maintain flight safety
The mean values of 5 aviation significant anthropometric parameters like Standing height, Sitting height, arm reach, Thigh length, and Leg length were 171.95 cm (SD = 4.95), 90.31 cm (SD = 2.74), 77.07 cm (SD = 3.33), 58.6 cm (SD = 2.99) and 104.93 cm (SD = 4.05) respectively. 86% (n = 1968) fulfilled all the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) anthropometric fitness standards for aircrew duties and the remaining 14% (n = 328) were unfit due to non-compliance with one or many of the five anthropometric parameters used for aircrew selection in RAFO
The statistical analysis of segregated data of candidates whose standing height was up to 165 cm is depicted in Table 3. 7% (n = 158) of the candidates had a standing height below 165 cm. 3/4th (n = 112) of these candidates were unfit in one or many of the other RAFO anthropometric standards i.e. Sitting height, Arm Reach, Thigh Length, and Leg length
Summary
It is a well-known fact that optimization of aircrew-aircraft compatibility is of prime importance in military aviation in order to precisely execute the tasks as well as to maintain flight safety. Since the 1980’s, increasing socio-economic status, education, and motivation among Omanis has facilitated the replacement of expatriate workers with trained Omani personnel under Omanization policy, which in turn boosts self-reliance in local human resources and ensures low unemployment rates in local youth (Analysis of Omanization, 2016; What is Omanization, 2016). This policy had an impact in all fields of RAFO, thereby causing gradual cessation of “Loan Officers” (The RAFO Evolution, 2016)
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